This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

How much do I love chili?

I love it so much that this summer when it was 5 million degrees outside, I made my husband and his buddy Rick stop at Wendy's on their way home from a Bees game to buy some for me because I was craving it. So. Much.

Chili, in fact, is one of my "benchmark" foods — an item I sample wherever I go to see how it stacks up. Also included on that list (in case you're interested) are potato salad, coleslaw, chiles rellenos, french fries, key lime pie and doughnuts.

I believe this is an excellent list of foods to be in love with, so feel free to borrow it for your own dining pleasure. You're welcome! And if you have any suggestions regarding the above items (i.e., where I can find them), please send those along. Thank you!

Anyway, when I was recently asked to be one of the judges for the Road Home's Great Salt Lake Chili Affair to be held at the Salt Palace on Sept. 28, I did NOT say no. Now in its 30th year, the Chili Affair offers up (surprise!) chili concocted by some of the area's best chefs. Eighteen of them will be featured this year, including chefs from Frida Bistro, Red Iguana, Texas Roadhouse and Grand America.

OH, YES PLEASE!

Here's more good news. Everyone who attends this ticketed event can sample and cast a vote for his or her favorite chili. Meanwhile, the money raised will go to a worthy cause — to benefit those among us who have lost so much and who are working to overcome homelessness.

When asked what the specific goals of the event are, Celeste Eggert, director of development for The Road Home, says: "First, we want to raise awareness of The Road Home and the services we provide. We want people to know we are a resource in the community for those in need. Additionally, we want to raise important funding for the programs and services we offer to help people step out of homelessness."

The event itself, Eggert says, "has grown tremendously." The first event hosted a handful of chefs and attendees. This year, Eggert estimates 2,000 people will attend — not only to enjoy a great evening with food, but also to "show their commitment to those in need."

Thirty years is a good run for any event. Eggert attributes the success of it to the dedication of the volunteers who run it. "We have over 20 volunteers who serve on our steering committee," she says. "It takes almost a year to plan the event and we simply could not do it without our dedicated Chili Affair volunteers. There have been literally hundreds of volunteers over the past 30 years who have made this event a reality. I am humbled by their dedication and support."

If people are interested in participating in the 30th Annual Great Chili Affair, Eggert says tickets and tables may be purchased at http://www.theroadhome.org. Individual tickets are $42 and children 12 and younger are free. Tables for eight cost $300 and are available for purchase until Friday.

In addition to chili, a variety of breads, salads and desserts will be served. The event will feature a silent auction and live music by local entertainers, including The Rejuvenation Party Band, whose repertoire includes a little bit of everything — soul, rock, folk, funk, jazz, pop and Latin.

Food. Music. Seriously. Who can resist?

Ann Cannon can be reached at acannon@sltrib.com or facebook.com/anncannontrib.